Editorial: No lack of health care

Talk about it

Pierce County is fortunate to be located in the midst of a large array of health care providers.

Not only do county residents have ready access to hospitals and clinics in the Twin Cities, but the world-renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., isn’t all that distant. Whether a serious illness or the effects of old age, people here can find facilities suited to their needs.

But it’s comforting to know health care outlets even closer to home are also interested in the area public’s well-being. Fairview, which operates a hospital in Red Wing and a clinic in Ellsworth, and Allina, with its hospital in River Falls plus Western Wisconsin Medical Associates and its clinics in the village and Spring Valley, have all invested considerably to take care of the county’s population.

An example of this commitment occurred this spring when the Kinnickinnic Health Foundation and River Falls Area Hospital held a community gathering in the county seat. Officials from the organizations talked with local leaders about their work and issues facing the region.

Attendees were told the two entities are striving to identify ways to respond to some of those issues. Several concerns were raised, including a desire for more care options for seniors, along with more preventative health programs, and the dilemma low-income families face from limited health care options, particularly ones unable to take advantage of the Free Clinic in River Falls.

Among the specialties and services emphasized by the hospital are the availabilities of cardiovascular care and rehabilitation therapists focused on reconditioning and prevention. A long-term care approach aims at participants regaining functioning and becoming as independent as possible. Home care allows for recuperation and hospice care serves the terminally ill.

Such other offerings as a birth center, emergency department, sports medicine rehabilitation and wellness center, expanded surgery center and outpatient procedure center, as well as sleep center, give patients a lot of options close by.

The foundation, which has partnered with the hospital, has already realized its goal of a free clinic and is now raising funds to establish chemotherapy services at RFAH. It awards scholarships to nontraditional students pursuing health care careers. Pierce County Public Health for its sharps disposal program and United Way St. Croix Valley for its food resource center are a couple of the foundation’s grant recipients.

Health matters are important to everyone, so having this kind of support right in the county’s back yard should promote peace of mind.

Tags: opinion, health, care, providers